Three-year-old attacked by pit bull

MISSISSIPPI -- West Point police are investigating a pit bull attack on a three-year-old Thursday night in the city.

Police Chief Tim Brinkley says officers were called to a home on Clay Street around 5 p.m. on a report a pit bull had attacked a child.

He says when officers arrived, the child had been taken to a local hospital for treatment by someone who was at the home.

The child had suffered bits to the head, shoulders and legs.

Brinkley says the child apparently wandered out of the home and neighbors notified people in the house about the attack.

He says one person hit the dog with a baseball bat and was able to pull the child away.

The child's mother was not at the home, but several adults were and authorities are trying to determine who was supposed to be supervising the child.

He says the dog was chained near the house, but did not meet city code for restraints.

Brinkley says the dog showed signs of aggression toward officers and was immediately put down by officers.

He says investigators are trying to determine who owned the dog and whether they live at the home where the attack occured.

The Department of Human Services was notified and police are working with the District Attorney's office.

Brinkley says criminal charges are expected to be filed as a result of the attack.

(WTVA - Dec 7, 2013)